There's no evidence that the U.S. had a direct hand in Lugo's removal, yet judging from secret correspondence recently released by whistle-blowing outfit WikiLeaks, Washington will be somewhat relieved to have rid itself of Paraguay's pesky Bishop President.

Assange is astute enough to recognize these many objections. At the same time, however, the WikiLeaks founder must surely realize that his potential list of options has dwindled considerably. For better or worse, populist Correa may be Assange's last hope.

The people of the slums have come to define a way of life and a culture that doesn't necessarily see them jumping at the opportunity to leave it all behind to pay rent and maintenance for a city-centre condominium.

Fifty-two years after U.S. policy first sought to break the communist dictatorship with an economic embargo, the Castro regime is still in power, lording over the Cuban people, enjoying trade and diplomatic relationships with countries across the globe.

The Communist Party of Brazil was given the political plum of running the ministry of sports by president Dilma as a reward for staying inside her Worker's Party coalition government during her dramatic move to the political center.

Resolving the situation of deserving asylum applicants will strengthen the powerful message that our government stands with victims of persecution and that we are a safe haven for those who cannot find justice in their own countries.

It is time to use the full weight of the United States government to bring an end to the drug activity in Venezuela, and protect the beleaguered opposition which it is now clear is simply being silenced and sidelined by a criminal government.

The biggest question in the event of President Chavez being incapacitated or killed by his cancer is the country's political future, and of all the government's branches the military is best positioned for the potential role of kingmaker.

At a time when most nations are trying to figure out how to stop Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad from killing his own people in a year-long struggle to stay in power, the Venezuelan government is helping to prop him up.

Bringing democratic reform to Russia will require concerted effort by the United States, our allies, NGOs, and the Russian people. Opening Russia's market under WTO rules can play a useful role in this effort.